15th Anniversay of Critical Mass, A Global Bike Convergence

Tonight’s Critical Mass ride in San Francisco marks the 15th anniversary of the bicycle convergence that takes place on the last Friday of the month in cities all over the world. The very first Critical Mass (originally called “Commute Clot”) took place on Sept. 25, 1992 in San Francisco. Wikipedia has more on the history of Critical Mass.

The monthly Critical Mass rides are part political statement and part roving street festival and now are firmly part of San Francisco’s cultural fabric.

Critical Mass has no organized leadership. The rides are promoted by word of mouth and over the Internet. The only constant is that they are held the last Friday of the month and start around 6 p.m. at Justin Herman Plaza at the foot of Market Street. The routes are fluid, often determined on the spot.